Home in Arecibo

Create unforgettable family memories by the ocean at Agua Viva Retreat — your own private oceanfront haven. Fall asleep to the gentle sound of waves and wake up to nature at your doorstep. Some days you may even spot dolphins, humpback whales, or our friendly Yaboa bird exploring the yard. As your host and a local who grew up here, I’m excited to help you plan a stay full of calm, connection, and adventure. The space “Agua Viva” means “living water,” a name inspired by our love for the ocean and the life it carries. We are locals from Arecibo, and this retreat is a women-led family project built by my mom, sister, and me. After inheriting the property in 2020, we spent three years restoring what was once an abandoned home and bringing it back to life. Today, we share it with families who want to slow down, reconnect, and fall in love with the ocean the way we always have. Women-Owned, Designed for Comfort & Connection This retreat was created for people who love the ocean. It is designed for comfort, privacy, and quality family time. Enjoy peaceful indoor and outdoor spaces, breathe in the fresh sea air, and relax into the slow rhythm of coastal living. Just minutes away is La Poza del Obispo, one of Puerto Rico’s most beautiful family-friendly beaches—perfect for swimming, shelling, and sunset strolls. To make your stay even more seamless, the home includes self check-in, free on-site parking, a dedicated workspace, washer and dryer, and children’s toys, all thoughtfully incorporated to support families, remote workers, and long-stay guests. Private Pool: Your Own Slice of Paradise Your spacious private pool deepens gradually to 12 feet—perfect for cooling off, floating, or enjoying a peaceful morning workout swim before starting your day. A convenient outdoor shower sits near the pool area, ideal for rinsing off after the beach or a swim. To ensure the pool remains crystal clear and in perfect condition, our certified pool technician services the pool every Wednesday and Saturday at 6:00 AM. He has his own access code to enter the outdoor pool area, and visits are quick and quiet so your privacy is fully respected. The entire pool area is exclusively yours throughout your stay. Outdoor Living & BBQ Area Cook, gather, and enjoy warm island nights in the fully equipped BBQ area, ideal for family meals and relaxed evenings outdoors. Hidden Black Sand Beach (Intermediate Trail) An adventurous trail from the property leads to a secluded black sand beach, one of only five in Puerto Rico. The views are peaceful and stunning. Note: Not safe for swimming due to strong currents; swimmable beaches are just 10 minutes away. Stargazing: A Night Sky to Remember Turn off the lights and look up—the sky becomes a breathtaking show of stars. Guests often spot shooting stars around 2 AM. Wildlife Encounters Agua Viva is home to the beloved Yaboa bird, iguanas, and seasonal parrots. Enjoy their visits respectfully—this is their natural home too. Two Spacious Apartments — Ideal for Families & Groups You’ll have the entire retreat to yourselves—no other guests on the property at any time. Both apartments have private entrances, yet they connect through a shared indoor patio that brings everyone together. This layout offers the perfect blend of privacy and togetherness for families and groups. Apartment 1 ✔ King bedroom + Queen bedroom (TV in each) ✔ Two living rooms with queen & full sofabeds ✔ Fully equipped kitchen with coffee maker and essentials ✔ Two full bathrooms Apartment 2 ✔ Queen bedroom ✔ Fully equipped kitchen ✔ Private bathroom This setup is ideal for multi-generational families or groups wanting shared moments while still enjoying personal space. Weekly Cleaning for Longer Stays For stays of two weeks or more, we offer complimentary weekly cleaning of the bathrooms, bed sheets, and floors. This service is provided to ensure your space stays fresh, comfortable, and enjoyable throughout your stay. Tailored Ocean Adventures For families who want more than just the view, we can arrange personalized experiences: ✔ Diving certifications ✔ Guided scuba dives ✔ Surfing lessons ✔ Curated snorkeling spots ✔ Massages or catering upon request Whether you enjoy quiet mornings and cozy evenings or exciting ocean days, this retreat helps you create memories you’ll treasure. Thoughtful Extras for a Seamless Stay We provide: ✔ Beach chairs ✔ Towels ✔ Sunscreen ✔ Mosquito repellent ✔ Coffee ✔ Bluetooth speakers A Retreat to Reset At Agua Viva Retreat, you’re invited to slow down, reconnect with the ocean, and return home renewed. Whether you're listening to the waves, exploring Arecibo, or stargazing by the pool, this is your private space to rest, reconnect, and recharge. House Rules Please help us keep Agua Viva Retreat peaceful, safe, and well-maintained: ✔ Turn off A/C and lights when not in use ✔ No smoking or vaping indoors (a $100 cleaning fee applies) ✔ No parties or events without prior approval ✔ Quiet hours: 10 PM – 8 AM (music must be off after 10 PM) ✔ No pets unless pre-approved (pet fee applies) ✔ Report any damages immediately ✔ Only registered guests allowed on the property ✔ Keep the space clean (wash dishes, take out trash, use beach towels for the pool) ✔ Lost key fee: $50 ✔ Stained comforter cleaning fee: $50 per comforter ✔ Crib available for infants under 32 lbs (request in advance) Pool Rules For everyone’s safety and enjoyment: ✔ No animals in the pool ✔ No diving (pool deepens to 12 ft but diving is prohibited) ✔ No running—deck can be slippery ✔ Children must be supervised at all times ✔ Use the pool ladder to enter/exit; no jumping or climbing edges ✔ No glass containers in the pool area ✔ No food inside the pool ✔ No rough play or fighting ✔ Pool lights automatically turn off at 10:30 PM Other things to note Every nook and cranny of our living areas is carefully dusted and cleaned to create a fresh and inviting atmosphere. From furniture surfaces to flooring, we strive to maintain a spotless space for your relaxation and enjoyment. Attention to Detail: We believe in going the extra mile to ensure your comfort. Our cleaning team pays attention to small details, such as decorative items, window sills, and light fixtures, to create a truly immaculate ambiance. Fresh Air Circulation: We prioritize proper ventilation and fresh air circulation in our property. We open windows during cleaning to let in natural air and create a pleasant and rejuvenating environment. Rest assured that we follow strict cleaning protocols to provide you with a spotless and sanitized space. Your health and well-being are our utmost priority, and we strive to exceed your expectations with our dedication to cleanliness.